Ultraviolet radiation sterilization

Abstract

A solution for sterilizing one or more hollow components of a device, such as a medical device, is provided. Ultraviolet radiation having one or more predominant wavelength(s) and a sufficient dose is generated and directed to an interior side of the hollow component(s). The predominant wavelength(s) is / are selected to harm one or more target organisms that may be present on the interior side. The ultraviolet radiation can be delivered by a structure that is periodically inserted and retracted into the hollow component. The structure can be configured to provide additional cleaning capability, such as suction, for removing matter that may be present in the hollow component.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]The current application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 773,131, filed on 14 Feb. 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference. The current application is related in some aspects to co-pending U.S. Utility application Ser. No. 11 / 380,512, filed on 27 Apr. 2006, which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]Aspects of the invention relate generally to sterilization, and more particularly, to a solution for sterilizing a medical device using ultraviolet radiation.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Ultraviolet radiation has been successfully used in purification and sterilization systems for various media, such as air, water, and food. Such a system includes a source of ultraviolet radiation that emits ultraviolet radiation having wavelength(s) close to the absorption peaks of biologically significant molecules of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and proteins. The system sterilizes the media by e...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention provides a solution for sterilizing hollow components of a device, such as medical devices, using ultraviolet radiation. The ultraviolet radiation is generated and directed to the interior side of the hollow component to harm target organisms present. The sterilization can be performed in a non-obstructive manner, allowing the device to continue being used after the sterilization. The invention also includes a method of sterilizing a hollow elongated structure by inserting a second elongated structure into the hollow elongated structure and directing the ultraviolet radiation onto its interior side. The computer program product is also provided for implementing the method.

Problems solved by technology

However, the use of a mercury lamp as the source of ultraviolet radiation has significant drawbacks.

For example, mercury is an extremely dangerous element, thereby limiting the applications of mercury-based water and / or air purification systems.

In particular, such a mercury-based water purification system is generally not used in transportation or individual applications.

Still further, the radiation spectrum of the ultraviolet radiation generated by the mercury lamp includes peak lines having characteristic wavelengths that do not exactly coincide with the absorption peaks of DNA and proteins and these peak lines cannot be controlled or adjusted, which results in a decrease in the efficiency of the system.

Still further, mercury lamps are fragile and often bulky, which generally adds to the overall cost and / or size of the system and does not allow for a flexible design.

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